“Magical Moments” in Contract Law

By Laura Orr

“Libraries Must Follow Rules of Secrecy to Get New ‘Potter’ Book” (Foxnews story here and excerpts below, linked to from Library Link of the Day, April 6th).

“The publisher of the new Harry Potter novel has strict rules for libraries handling the book this summer….Despite the “weighty, ominous” language, Giacoma said he takes the contract seriously, although it may be part of the marketing strategy. “It adds to the mystique,” he said….

The rules are required to honor Rowling’s wishes of preserving a “magical moment” for children, Scholastic spokeswoman Kyle Good said.

… monetary damages will be inadequate to compensate for violations,” the contract states.”

Another story here, from the Salt Lake Tribune: “… Don’t expect your local librarians to whisper you the answer before the July 21 release of author J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. They’ve been sworn to secrecy.”More about Harry Potter and the law, here and here.